Current:Home > MyWhat do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey? -WealthConverge Strategies
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
View
Date:2025-04-12 18:21:35
A large number of mysterious droneshave been reported flying over parts of New Jersey in recent weeks, sparking speculation and concern over who sent them and why.
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and law enforcement officials have stressed that the drones don’t appear to be a threat to public safety,but many state and municipal lawmakers have nonetheless called for stricter rules about who can fly the unmanned aircraft.
The FBI is among several agencies investigating, and it has asked residents to share videos, photos and other information they may have about the drones.
What has been seen in New Jersey?
Dozens of witnesses have reported seeing drones in New Jersey starting in November.
At first, the drones were spotted flying along the scenic Raritan River, a waterway that feeds the Round Valley Reservoir, the state’s largest aquifer, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of New York City.
But soon sightings were reportedstatewide, including near the Picatinny Arsenal, a U.S. military research and manufacturing facility, and over President-elect Donald Trump’s golf course in Bedminster.
The aircraft have also recently been spotted in coastal areas.
U.S. Rep. Chris Smith said a Coast Guard commanding officer told him a dozen drones closely followed a Coast Guard lifeboat near Barnegat Light and Island Beach State Park in Ocean County over the weekend.
Are these drones dangerous?
Gov. Murphy has said the aircraft do not pose a threat, but has not provided any details to support this.
Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia, who was briefed by the Department of Homeland Security, said the reported drones have been up to 6 feet in diameter and sometimes travel with their lights switched off. This is much larger than those typically flown by drone hobbyists and she said they appear to avoid detection by traditional methods such as helicopter and radio.
Officials say some witnesses may actually be seeing planes or helicopters rather than drones.
Who sent the drones?
Authorities say they do not know who is behind the drones.
The FBI, Homeland Security and state police are investigating the sightings. Authorities say they don’t know if it is one drone that has been spotted many times or if there are multiple aircraft being flown in a coordinated effort.
Speculation has raged online, with some expressing concerns that the drone or drones could be part of a nefarious plot by foreign agents. Officials stress that ongoing state and federal investigations have found no evidence to support those fears.
Two Republican Jersey Shore-area congressmen, Smith and U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, have called on the military to shoot down the drones, citing safety concerns.
The Pentagon said Wednesday that “our initial assessment here is that these are not drones or activities coming from a foreign entity or adversary.”
Are drones allowed in New Jersey?
The flying of drones for recreational and commercial use is legal in New Jersey, but it is subject to local and Federal Aviation Administration regulations and flight restrictions.
Operators must be FAA certified.
Have drones been spotted anywhere else?
Sightings also have been reported in neighboring New York and Pennsylvania.
Drones were also spotted last month in the U.K. The U.S. Air Force saidseveral small unmanned aircraft were detected near four bases in England that are used by American forces.
Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.
veryGood! (846)
Related
- B.A. Parker is learning the banjo
- Airstrike kills renowned doctor in Gaza and relatives who sought shelter together
- 'Super Mario RPG' updates a cult classic from the creators of 'Final Fantasy'
- Dolly Parton’s new album is a detour from country music — could R&B be next?
- Person accused of accosting Rep. Nancy Mace at Capitol pleads not guilty to assault charge
- State-sponsored online spies likely to target Australian submarine program, spy agency says
- John Legend Reveals How Kids Luna and Miles Are Adjusting to Life as Big Siblings to Esti and Wren
- Former CEO at center of fake Basquiats scandal countersues museum, claiming he is being scapegoated
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- 'Eyeliner' examines the cosmetic's history as a symbol of strength and protest
Ranking
- Kylie Jenner Shows Off Sweet Notes From Nieces Dream Kardashian & Chicago West
- Putin approves new restrictions on media coverage ahead of Russia’s presidential elections
- Salman Rushdie given surprise Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award: 'A great honor'
- Asian economies must ramp up wind and solar power to keep global warming under 1.5C, report says
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Kim Kardashian on divorce from Ye, leaving school with dad Robert Kardashian for O.J. Simpson trial
- Yemen’s Houthis have launched strikes at Israel during the war in Gaza. What threat do they pose?
- UNESCO is criticized after Cambodia evicts thousands around World Heritage site Angkor Wat
Recommendation
How to watch new prequel series 'Dexter: Original Sin': Premiere date, cast, streaming
Mexican magnate’s firm says it’s too poor to pay US bondholders the tens of millions owed
'Super Mario RPG' updates a cult classic from the creators of 'Final Fantasy'
Judge denies Rep. Greene’s restitution request for $65,000 home security fence
Residents worried after ceiling cracks appear following reroofing works at Jalan Tenaga HDB blocks
Oklahoma Supreme Court keeps anti-abortion laws on hold while challenge is pending
Anchorage adds more shelter beds after unusually high amount of snow and record outdoor deaths
Matt LeBlanc, Courteney Cox remember friend and co-star Matthew Perry after actor's death